01 April 2015

Day 1 of the A to Z Challenge: Storytelling Tips, Techniques and Reflections from a StoryCoach

A is for the Audience

"Take the story to the people. Try not to have tables, lecterns, or other furniture between you and your audience. Move toward them. Make eye contact with individuals at key points in the story. If telling to children, keep your story simple and not too long. Exercise their attention spans, don't wear them out. If you forget something, don't be afraid to ask the audience what comes next. Don't look down—this cuts off your eye contact. Instead, look slightly upwards to the realm of inspiration. The audience will still feel your connections and the 'story angels' or 'ancestors' will likely help you out.

Show, don't tell. This old adage reminds us that stories work best if we remember to show our audience what our story characters are thinking, feeling and doing. By showing them rather than always telling, the audience have to use their imaginations to recreate the story in their minds. Stimulate their imaginations with vivid pictures, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings. If a character is angry try showing them rather than telling them. Varying vocal tones, body movements, gestures and facial expressions are your tools of the trade and create dynamic tales guaranteed to engage and entertain your audience."

Extracted from my forthcoming e-book The ABCs of Storytelling by Michael Williams, StoryCoach

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